Ecowas Parliament to Send Mediation Team to Niger's Military Junta

The Ecowas Parliament has taken a significant step towards resolving the conflict between the new military junta in Niger and the neighboring states by deciding to send its own mediation team. The decision was made during an extraordinary virtual session on Saturday, as reported by the Nigerian state-owned broadcaster Voice of Nigeria.

At a special summit on Thursday, the Ecowas heads of state ordered the activation of a military standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger, while emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution. However, the military rulers in Niger have thus far declined to receive official Ecowas delegations. Over the weekend, a group of Islamic clerics traveled to Niger in an attempt to engage with the junta.

The Niger, with a population of around 26 million people and one of the world's poorest populations, was one of the last democratic partners for the USA and European nations in the Sahel zone along the southern edge of the Sahara. France and the USA maintain important military bases in the country, which is also located on a key migration route to Europe. On July 26, the military overthrew the president and suspended the constitution, installing their own transitional government.

The Ecowas Parliamentary delegation reportedly includes members from most of the active eleven Ecowas member states, with four states, including Niger, currently suspended due to recent military coups. During the parliamentary discussion, most of the members expressed their opposition to a potential military intervention in Niger. However, some called for the regional bloc to take a stronger stance against military coups.

The decision to send a mediation team highlights Ecowas' commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. The deployment of a military standby force remains an option, but diplomatic efforts continue to take priority in the hopes of finding a peaceful solution to the crisis in Niger.

The ongoing conflict in Niger has raised concerns not only within the region but beyond. Given Niger's strategic significance, especially in the fight against terrorism and migration control, international actors are closely monitoring the situation. The successful resolution of the crisis is essential for the restoration of democracy and stability in the Sahel region and for the continued partnership between Niger and the international community.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-13 News

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